Giuliano Simeone: when everyone wants it to feet, he runs in behind

Rubén Uría argues that Giuliano Simeone is indispensable in a side that likes the ball to feet, because he makes runs into space. Nacho Donado adds his physical endurance and criticises the focus on his shortcomings alone.

Giuliano Simeone was once again key to an Atlético de Madrid win. The Argentine started and scored a superb goal, Atleti's second, at the Ciutat de Valencia, finishing off a wonderful move in which the team strung together a terrific sequence of passes.

Rubén Uría wants to give Giuliano Simeone his due. You may like him more or less, he says, but this team needs him: when everyone else wants the ball to feet, he wants it in space, and when he breaks diagonally he is a gift for teammates such as Baena, who have a wand of a left foot and great vision. Today he was excellent, not just for the goal but for all the space he created for the team. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he fits in this side and makes a difference.

Nacho Donado adds a physical argument: few players reach the end of matches with as much left in the tank as Giuliano, tracking back and pushing forward, committed to every run and every 50-50 ball. And he regrets that people focus so much on some players' flaws and see so little of their strengths.